NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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WELLAND – The Niagara Regional Police Service Central Fraud Unit is investigating a rental scam that has victimized several people looking to rent a home in the City of Welland.
At this time, detectives have received four reports of people losing money in a rental scam involving a home that is under construction and fraudulently rented out to multiple potential renters.
Detectives have determined that through a Kijiji ad, people are alerted to the potential rental home and tour the home with persons hired by the suspect as part of the scam.
At this time, detectives continue to investigate and caution potential renters to be vigilant.
Anyone with further information or who has been a victim of this scam is encouraged to contact police at (905) 688-4111, dial option 4, badge #9004
Here are some tips to help you avoid rental scams:
- Do an online search of the rental company or person. Enter name plus words like “review,” “complaint” or “scam.” If you find bad reviews, you may want to look elsewhere.
- Got a good vibe? Rental home listings may appear in several places, including rental company websites and online listing services. If you see a rental company’s listing on one of those online listing services, do a search of the home’s address to make sure it appears on the rental company’s website. If it doesn’t, it may be a scam.
- Compare prices. Is the rent a lot less than comparable rentals? That could be a red flag.
- Take a tour. Ask for identification. Rental agents should have photo ID badges issued by the company that owns or manages the property.
- Before you sign a lease, look for signs at the rental with the name of the property owner or manager. Call that company before making a deal with anyone.
- Never pay with cash, wire transfers or gift cards, wiring money is like sending cash — once you send it, you have no way to get it back. As for gift cards, they’re for gifts, not payments.
- Don’t be in a rush, ensure you take your time and do your homework before signing or handing over money.
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